CAN criticizes Tinubu’s NWDC appointments for excluding Christians

The North West chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has voiced concerns over President Bola Tinubu’s recent appointments to the board of the North-West Development Commission (NWDC), citing a lack of Christian representation.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Elder Sunday Oibe, CAN Chairman for the zone, expressed disappointment that the appointments predominantly favored Muslims, neglecting the region’s diverse Christian population.

Elder Oibe noted that the North-West is home to both Christians and Muslims, as well as various ethnic groups, including Hausa and Fulani, and that all these communities deserve representation.

“We are deeply concerned about the recent appointments,” the statement read, “as no Christians from the seven states were selected, which undermines the region’s religious diversity.”

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Oibe compared the appointments to the controversial Muslim-Muslim ticket presented by the All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2023 presidential election.

“We are convinced beyond reasonable doubt that the composition of the board demonstrates that the intention behind the Muslim-Muslim ticket is beginning to manifest,” he added, warning that such decisions could deepen religious divides in the region.

He further emphasized that indigenous Christians are present in all seven states of the North-West and should not be overlooked. “It should not be assumed that all the people are Muslims,” Oibe stressed, urging President Tinubu to reassess the appointments and ensure balanced and inclusive representation.

The NWDC was established following President Tinubu’s signing of the North West Development Commission Bill into law in September, aimed at revitalizing the region. However, CAN insists that for the commission to be effective and accepted, it must reflect the true diversity of the North-West, encompassing both religious and ethnic interests.